[When Arsenik had gone into the room that he had last seen Paige enter, he came with a glass of water in his gloved hand.]

Arsenik: Miss Paige? I was wondering whether you might like some refreshments.

[Paige is startled out of her thoughts, but thankful it’s not any of her own teammates that followed her.]

­Paige: Oh, thanks.

[She accepts the glass of water but then turns apologetic.]

Paige: Sorry, you probably don’t like me wandering around without permission. I just needed a minute to cool off before I did anything really stupid.

Arsenik: You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like until the next challenge begins. The prince may not care much for you to set out in exploration, but I don’t see him anywhere here, do you? I can keep a secret if you can.

[He briefly raises a finger to his lips, one eye fluttering shut in a wink. There’s a gently teasing smile on his face before it gives way to a slightly more serious expression.]

Arsenik: I know this isn’t any of my business, but I don’t suppose you would care to talk about what’s troubling you? I’ve been told I’m a good listener.

Paige: Is that so?

[Paige lets out a long sigh as she leans back against a nearby wall.]

Paige: Well, I wish I could tell you that I’m annoyed because Blake is a –

[She coughs, reconsidering her next words when she remembers whose presence she’s in.]

Paige: He can be obnoxious at times, but I don’t think he’s what’s bothering me. You see…

[She mulls over how to explain her problem to someone who has no clue what hockey even entails.]

Paige: You have something you think you’re an expert at, right? Like sword-fighting or… I don’t know, hair care?

Arsenik: Hair care? You really think so?

Paige: Seriously? You put Colt to shame, and I didn’t think that was possible.

[His shoulders shake with the beginnings of a chuckle.]

Arsenik: I’m flattered you think so highly of my style, but it isn’t anywhere near my realm of expertise. But you’re close.

[He taps a finger against his right temple once.]

Arsenik: As of yet, my skill in chess is second to none.

Paige: Ok, so, imagine that you meet someone who is ten times the chess player you are. And no matter how hard you try and how much you practice, you can never seem to get this other person’s level.

[She starts remembering how many times Colt would make a fool out of her with a few moves ,and her head lowers.]

Paige: And you think maybe you’re overreacting, maybe it’s not so mismatched, but then your friend…

[She chews on her lip at the label.]

Paige: Your friend says that you were never that great of a chess player anyway, and there are a lot of players who could run circles around you… or however that analogy would work in chess.

[She sighs again, harder this time.]

Paige: It just sucks when you put your time, effort, and passion into something, you have so much pride in it, and someone comes along that makes you feel like it’s all been a complete waste.

[He gives a nod, thinking over her words.]

Arsenik: Allow me to ask you a question. You said this person made you feel like it’s been a complete waste, but do you really believe that? That it’s truly been for nothing.

Paige: I want to say no, but there’s always that tiny voice that agrees with him. I don’t plan on giving up, but that doesn’t mean I don’t question myself.

[She swirls the water around in the glass of water she’s holding. He watches her, filing away every small gesture and adding it to his storehouse of knowledge on her.]

Paige: I just don’t want to be a bother or a hindrance to my teammates. I already feel like my anger problem causes them to walk on eggshells around me, like they don’t want to do anything to set me off.

[She finally looks up again and gives her best smile.]

Paige: I finally feel like I belong somewhere. I don’t want to ruin that.

[She straightens up again and shakes her head.]

Paige: Speaking of bothering people, I think I’ve ranted enough. But thanks for listening. I’ll head back to rejoin my team now.

Arsenik: Yes. Ah…Miss Paige?

[Paige stops in her tracks and turns back in confusion.]

Arsenik: Before you leave, I have a request. I may not be familiar with your companions, but if anyone professes to be your friend, then no matter how hastily words are spoken, it should never come from a place of malice. All the same…

[He leans down towards her from his great height, meeting her gaze.]

Arsenik: Prove him wrong.

[His smile is as cool as water, but there’s an unmistakable sense of fire in his words. Paige is startled by the force behind his words.]

Arsenik: If I were to meet such an extraordinary player, someone ten times my equal, I would never accept it. Chess is not only about strategy but mind games. If the front door doesn’t work, I will try the back or let him think that is where I intend to strike. There is always an alternative method. It just hasn’t occurred to you yet.

[His gaze upon her softens.]

Arsenik: Never question yourself, Miss Paige. As long as you don’t give up, I believe a woman with passion like yours can become the best hockey player in all of history – notwithstanding overpowered warrioresses.

[She chuckles lightly at the absurdity, but at the same time, the conviction with which he speaks resonates with her.]

Paige: By the way, good luck with the princess. She’d be lucky to have a sensitive guy like you.

[She jogs back to her friends to prepare for the next challenge.]

Arsenik: Hm? Princess?

[Did she, by chance, assume Ambrosia was one? He could certainly understand the mistake. However, that last remark she had made was the greater one. He could only wish that Ambrosia would be lucky to have him. Instead, he felt that it was her great misfortune to have met him.]

That’s it for the Love Challenge! If you still haven’t gotten your fill of romance, you can try dating some of your hosts here. If you’re having a bad day, it should pick you up ASAP. (Caution: It was made in a month for Valentine’s Day, so expect craziness and a barrel of laughs. It also features CGs by the awesome oktolio and Katta!)

Find out what the third and last challenge is next week on my tumblr or twitter. See you then!